The problem with that trade to Charlotte was Joe put on the brakes after making that trade. When you trade away a conditional 1st round pick like that, the clock starts ticking and the goal has to be getting to the top before you surrender the pick. So, once you commit to that, you pretty much have to pull the lever on CV's amnesty clause and go hard after high-impact FAs and trades. Joe's problem is it doesn't look like he fully committed to that path. Sure, he signed Josh Smith, and I still think that was a good signing. But then he went and traded for Jennings, which was only a slight upgrade, and then stood pat. If you're thinking about trading away a potential lottery pick to dump a contract, you better be prepared to charge ahead, all guns ablaze.

The problem with that trade to Charlotte was Joe put on the brakes after making that trade. When you trade away a conditional 1st round pick like that, the clock starts ticking and the goal has to be getting to the top before you surrender the pick. So, once you commit to that, you pretty much have to pull the lever on CV's amnesty clause and go hard after high-impact FAs and trades. Joe's problem is it doesn't look like he fully committed to that path. Sure, he signed Josh Smith, and I still think that was a good signing. But then he went and traded for Jennings, which was only a slight upgrade, and then stood pat. If you're thinking about trading away a potential lottery pick to dump a contract, you better be prepared to charge ahead, all guns ablaze.

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Wow. Spot on.

This is the most concise and best description of the Pistons problems over the last 12-18 months I have read in a long time. No blah blah Jennings is crap Smoove launches to many threes. Dumars didn't commit hard and we got stuck in limbo.

I think the lottery should be changed. It is ridiculous to root against your own team. But that is the system. Ignore it at your own peril.

This wasn't suppose to be a lottery year. But still, yes, you at least protect the pick at the top ten. And then, Joe banked on Jennings (how well was he scouted???), Bynum, and 37 year old Billips to play the point and lead a mostly very young front line back to the playoffs.

The pick is not fully safe. Percentages are good but the ping pong ball will tell.